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The Napa Valley produces some of the worlds best wines, and provides for a lovely day touring through the countryside, but don’t limit your wine country tour to the Napa Valley alone. Be sure to check out the other wine making regions nearby, such as the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek, and so on.
While a trip to Napa on a sunny day, driving down quaint country roads may be quite enjoyable, the traffic, throngs of tourist, and tasting fee charges can put a damper on your wine tasting trip.
Instead, why not visit the other (lesser known) valleys? The scenery is beautiful, there will be less traffic, and few tourist. While many of the wine tasting facilities in Napa are big commercial ventures, in the other valleys you may stumble upon a family owned business. You may even be served in the tasting room by the wine maker himself, and be able to discuss wine making with him. In addition, these the smaller, less commercial wineries outside of the Napa Valley often don’t charge a fee for tasting.
A good way to become familiar with the wine making regions of northern CA is to attend one of the wine and food tasting festivals such as the “Winter Wine Land” or “Barrel Tasting Weekend” events that showcase local wine makers. Be sure to check out the family owned wineries before they become swallowed up by the big corporations. For instance, pay a visit to DeNatale, or Joseph Swan winery. Talk to the wine makers, ask them about the different varietals. You wont regret it
